Trail Maintenance

Many trails in Portola Redwoods State Park have suffered from feral pig damage, winter storm erosion and deferred maintenance. Some of the trails are quite steep, compounding the erosion problems.

     On successive California Trail Days in 1992-1993 and again in 1995, Trail Center volunteers helped build Upper Coyote Ridge Trail, which connects the Tarwater Gap parking in Pescadero County Park to Coyote Ridge Trail (CCC crews completed the southern half).

Coyote Ridge Trail and Upper Coyote Ridge Trail (July 15, 2000): We repaired several segments on Coyote Ridge Trail(western leg) between the Visitor's Center and the Upper Coyote Ridge junction (approximately 200 feet total), primarily by clearing out debris on the inside of the trail tread and clearing brush. Severe outslope in several locations had made walking the trail difficult and were brought back to a gentle outslope. We also cleared approximately 150 feet of brush on Upper Coyote Ridge Trail and increased the trail to full width near the point where the trail crosses over the ridgetop, 1/2 mile from the Tarwater Gap parking. north end

Slate Creek Trail and Summit Trail (August 19, 2000): We cleared the trail in numerous places along Summit Trail and Slate Creek Trail between the Summit Trail junction and Slate Creek Trail Camp. We cleared out debris accumulated on the inside of the trail, repaired retaining walls and eroded areas.

Slate Creek Trail (November 18, 2000): We will construct a 30 foot puncheon across a boggy section of Slate Creek Trail between the Summit Trail junction and Slate Creek Trail Camp. We will clear out debris accumulated on the inside of the trail and repair eroded areas.

For the original project announcement, see: Slate Creek Trail repair, Portola Redwoods State Park



Technical Specifications:

Trail Width: 2.5-4 ft.

Maximum Grade: existing grade for maintenance

Outslope: 2-3% (standard)

Flagging: At grade level (consult crew leader)

Hazards and Other Considerations: poison oak, wasps (possible), ticks.

Total Distance: Approx. 800 ft.

Structures required: Retaining walls (repair)

Expected Number of Workdays: 2

Access to Worksite and Parking: Parking for July 15 at Madrone Day-Use parking; parking for Aug. 19 at day-use parking near amphitheater, 1/4 mile past Visitor's Center.

Water, Restrooms, Picnic Area: Water and restrooms at parking areas or at Visitor's Center

Emergency: 911 from phone at Visitor's Center (cell phones may not work in park)

Nearest Hospital: Stanford Hospital. Take Portola State Park Road to Alpine Road and travel 3 mi. to Hwy 35. Cross Hwy 35 and take Page Mill Road to I-280 entrance. Take I-280 2 mi. north to Alpine Rd. exit; go right on Alpine and travel 2 mi. to Sand Hill Rd. Turn right and travel 1.5 mi. Stanford Hospital entrance and follow signs to Emergency.

Alternatively, from Hwy 35 intersection, take Hwy 35 north to Hwy 84 (Woodside Road) and go right for 3.5 miles. Turn right on Portola Valley Road and go 1.5 miles to Sand Hill Road; turn left and travel 5.5 miles to the Stanford Hospital entrance and follow signs to Emergency.

Driving Directions: From the Page Mill/Skyline Blvd/Alpine intersection, take Alpine Road southwest for 3.1 miles to the left turnoff onto Portola State Park Rd. Continue 3.4 miles to park office in the visitor center, and then continue on main park road. We'll meet at the parking for the amphitheater (opposite the group picnic area). Allow 20 minutes travel time from Skyline Blvd. -- please note that Alpine Road CANNOT be taken from I-280; take Hwy 84 (Woodside Rd.) or Page Mill Rd if coming from the Peninsula; take Hwy 9 from the south.

     
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